The Mitkof Dance Troupe’s semi-annual production of “The Nutcracker” sashays back onstage this weekend. The show’s producers say it’s still rebounding from the pandemic, but the time-honored holiday performance is gaining momentum with every passing year.
KFSK’s Shelby Herbert went backstage to find out how the troupe is getting “The Nutcracker” back on track.
Petersburg has come out to witness the enduring magic of Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker” for many, many, many years. And the youth dancers know the drill. For the last couple years, the show has been somewhat pared down — at least, compared to what it was before the pandemic.
But, just like the titular Nutcracker, the Troupe is bringing it back to life. This year, the kids are especially excited about the return of of the party scene. Kelsey Lambe teaches the Petersburg High School dance team. She has a few ideas about why the scene is so popular.
“I know the kids love the party scene,” said Lambe. “I think it’s because of all the acting they get to do and interacting with other classes. It used to be very big — and then last time we did it, I would say it was probably non-existent. It was just like, maybe a couple dances and now — now, it’s back.“
It’s a feast for the eyes. The troupe goes all out with brightly-painted sets and glamorous costumes. Iridescent candy dangles from the ceiling. And the kids are thrilled with their colorful outfits.
“It’s a darkish blue dress,” said Zigler. “And then a robe — it’s white! And then we’ll have white tights…”
But the Troupe worked hard to earn their places onstage. A lot of them have been doing this for years. Like seventh-grader Jozlyn Turland, who started dance classes when she was just three years old. She says all the practice paid off this year, when she was cast in the lead role — Clara.
“I didn’t think I would be Clara! I was really excited,” said Turland. “I told all my friends at the dance studio. It feels really nice, because the Nutcracker has always been my favorite.”
But newcomers to the Troupe are also having a blast. MDT didn’t have enough high school boys in their cast this year. So, each girl on the high school dance team was sent out with a mission: recruit one boy to be their dance partner. Dance teacher Kelsey Lambe says this was one of her favorite parts of the production
“It’s been really fun to see the boys get into it and totally blossom,” said Lambe. “You think they’re not going to show up and then it’s fun to see them all, like, show up every practice and totally participate and seem excited… I hope they’re excited.”
16-year-old Kayden Turland is one of those brave volunteers. He hasn’t danced with MDT since he was a little boy. Competitive target shooting is his main thing now. But this year, he stepped up for his cousin, Hannah.
“Basically, I was kind of just minding my own business one day and my phone starts buzzing,” said Turland. “I look down and Hannah, she’s like, ‘Hey, would you like to help me in the dance?’ So I was like, ‘Okay.’ So I came down to the studio. And next thing you know, I’m in this.”
Though the cast members are as unique and plentiful as snowflakes in December, tickets are not. Lambe says they sell out every year. They’re already booked up for Saturday’s show.
“I’ve already seen the messages, like: ‘Any extra for Sunday?!” said Lambe.
And as to what makes the show so special to the community — she says that’s a tough nut to crack.
“I don’t know why it’s The Nutcracker,” she laughed. “I just don’t know!”
If you can’t get a ticket in advance, don’t lose hope — you might still be able to catch “The Nutcracker””this holiday season. Sometimes, Lambe says, ticket holders don’t show up. So, her best advice is to hang out by the door, thirty minutes before the show starts. You might get a last-minute seat — if you’re lucky.
